Skyscanner Versus Expedia
Jan 20 2026
In the age of digital travel planning, comparing flight search tools and booking platforms is essential to getting the best deal. Two of the most popular names travellers encounter are Skyscanner and Expedia, but how do they truly stack up when it comes to flights, fees, and refunds?
This in-depth comparison breaks down everything you need to know before booking your next trip.
Why Compare Skyscanner and Expedia?
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a round-the-world adventure, selecting the right flight booking platform can save you time, money, and stress.
Skyscanner is a powerful search engine that aggregates prices from airlines and online travel agencies.
Expedia is a full-service online travel agency (OTA) that lets you search, compare, and book flights, often bundled with hotels and other travel services.
While both help you find flights, their approaches, fees, and refund policies differ significantly.
Flight Search and Comparison: Skyscanner vs Expedia
Skyscanner: Search First, Book Later
Skyscanner doesn’t sell tickets directly. Instead, it:
Compares flight prices from airlines and travel agencies.
Displays results in an easy-to-filter interface.
Redirects you to the airline or travel agent’s site for booking.
Pros
Broad search coverage.
Flexible date search (Whole month / Cheapest month)
“Everywhere” search for cheap destinations.
Cons
You complete the booking on a third-party site.
Prices may fluctuate between search and checkout.
Click here to know more about the prices and ways to save more on Skyscanner.
Expedia: Search + Book in One Place
Expedia is an online travel agency that:
Displays flight results
Allows you to book directly
Offers bundled options (flight + hotel + car)
Pros
Unified booking experience.
Frequent package deals.
Membership perks (points, rewards)
Cons
Fewer airline partners compared to the aggregator.
Slightly higher prices on individual flights (sometimes)
Fees and Pricing: Who’s Cheaper?
Comparing fares isn’t always straightforward; the base fare, service fees, and third-party charges can vary quite a bit.
Fees and Hidden Charges
Skyscanner shows search results but doesn’t control booking fees; those are charged by the airline or the OTA you’re redirected to.
Expedia often charges a service fee on top of the base fare, especially if you book through their customer support or combine multiple services.
Insight: Skyscanner typically helps you spot lower base fares, but the actual price you pay depends on which booking partner you choose. Expedia often bundles costs into one checkout but may include small service fees.
Refunds and Cancellation Policies
Understanding flight cancellation and refund policies is crucial, especially in uncertain travel times. Policies vary by airline and booking channel.
Skyscanner Refunds
Skyscanner itself doesn’t manage cancellations or refunds. Instead:
You contact the airline or OTA where you completed the booking.
Refund terms depend on the fare class and provider.
Note: Skyscanner points you to the deal; the refund is handled by the airline/agent.
Expedia Refunds
When you book directly through Expedia:
The platform often consolidates your refund process
For refundable fares, Expedia will process claims on your behalf
Non-refundable fares are subject to airline rules
Pros
Single point of contact for refunds.
Some flexibility with Expedia’s own customer service.
Cons
Refund speed depends on the airline's policy.
Service fees may not be refundable.
Booking Experience and Customer Support
Skyscanner
Search-focused interface
Redirects to external booking partners
Support via airline or OTA
Expedia
End-to-end booking.
Standardised interface.
Expedia customer service is available for support.
Note: If customer support is important to you, particularly for changes or cancellations, Expedia’s centralised system may be easier to navigate.
Exclusive Features Compared
Skyscanner Key Features
Whole month / Cheapest month view
“Everywhere” search
Price Alerts (email notifications)
Multi-city and flexible searches
Expedia Key Features
Loyalty program (points + rewards)
Bundling with hotels and cars
Best Price Guarantee
Travel insurance add-ons
Price Alerts and Tracking
Skyscanner
Set price alerts for specific routes.
Receive notification when fares drop or rise.
Helps you book at the optimal price.
Expedia
Price tracking is also available.
But less flexible than Skyscanner’s alert system.
Which One Should You Use?
Go with Skyscanner if saving money on base fares and exploring flexible travel dates are your top priorities.
Use Expedia if you prefer booking everything in one place with added support and rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skyscanner better than Expedia for cheap flights?
Skyscanner often helps you find lower base fares because it aggregates pricing from more sources. However, Expedia’s bundled deals and loyalty perks can sometimes make the total cost competitive.
Who has better refund policies?
Expedia typically offers a more centralised refund process, whereas Skyscanner depends on whichever airline or OTA you book through.
Are airfare prices guaranteed?
No, both platforms show live pricing, but fares can change until you complete the booking.
Can I earn rewards on Skyscanner?
Skyscanner doesn’t have its own loyalty program. Expedia does, through its Expedia Rewards system.
Should I use both platforms when searching?
Absolutely, comparing both can help you find the best deal on flights, fees, and flexibility. You can also enjoy bundle deals, offers and rewards.
Final Thoughts
Skyscanner vs Expedia isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison; they serve different but overlapping purposes. Skyscanner excels at pricing visibility, flexible searches, and price alerts, while Expedia provides a full booking and support ecosystem with rewards and bundled services.
Ready to compare flight deals? Search Skyscanner now for flexible pricing insights and check Expedia for bundled offers and rewards.